The Dubai private office of Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum, who pledged to open a US$500 million family office in Hong Kong, was found to be unavailable on both its website and LinkedIn page. The domain www.sheikhalialmaktoum.com directed users to a page stating that it was not connected to a website yet. The LinkedIn page of the office, as well as the profile of its chief marketing officer, were also inaccessible. Despite numerous attempts to reach out for comment, responses were delayed due to the Eid holiday break in Dubai. The office’s CEO, Eleanor Jane Mak, assured that they were in contact daily but did not wish to disturb them during the holiday period.
The planned inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong family office was postponed to late May just hours before it was supposed to take place on March 28. This postponement was attributed to “urgent matters in Dubai” that required the sheikh’s attention. Following this decision, questions arose about the prince’s commitment to the investment, and concerns were raised about the delay in the launch of the high-profile family office in Hong Kong. Despite these setbacks, the office’s head of business development, Amira Lobaton, reiterated the office’s commitment to investing in Hong Kong. The decision to postpone the inauguration ceremony raised doubts about the prince’s dedication to the investment, but Lobaton assured that they remained committed to their plans.
Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum, who gained attention in Hong Kong for his investment plans, was also revealed to have an alter ego as a singer-songwriter known as Alira, who had a following in the Philippines. Maktoum transitioned from a performer to a sustainability-focused investor last year, moving away from his music career. However, updates on Alira’s TikTok page had not been posted since the previous June, indicating a shift in focus for Maktoum. Despite questions about his background and commitment to investment, Maktoum began attending investment forums in Dubai and visited Hong Kong in December. The government conducted only “basic” checks before inviting Maktoum to the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong summit last month, fearing that a deeper investigation might offend the VIP.
The developments surrounding Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum’s Dubai private office and planned family office in Hong Kong have raised questions about the prince’s commitment to the investment, as well as his background and alter ego as a singer-songwriter. Despite delays and postponements, the office remains committed to investing in Hong Kong, with the CEO affirming their dedication to the project. The decision to delay the inauguration ceremony sparked concerns, but the office’s representatives emphasized their ongoing commitment to the investment. As Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum transitions from a performer to a sustainability-focused investor, his previous music career as Alira remains a point of interest and speculation, with doubts raised about his background and intentions in Hong Kong.